Memorial Day Decorations

by Giorgina Devereaux

On May 5, 1868, Memorial Day was officially proclaimed by General John Logan who was the national commander of the Grand Army of the Republic in his General Order No. 11. 

 It was first observed on May 30, 1868 when flowers were placed on the graves of Union and Confederate soldiers at Arlington National Cemetery. 

In 1873, New York was the first state to officially recognize the holiday.  By 1890, it was recognized by all of the northern states. 

The South refused to acknowledge the holiday and honored their dead on separate days until after World War I.  It is now celebrated in almost every State by observing it on the last Monday in May. 

Memorial Day is about reconciliation and honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice. 

Ways to honor our fallen heroes is to visit cemeteries where they were laid to rest and place flags or flowers on their graves, visit memorials, fly the U.S. flag at half-staff until noon, participate in a National Moment of Remembrance to reflect on the true meaning of this important day, and pledge to aid the widows, widowers, and orphans of our fallen heroes, as well as to provide aid to disabled veterans. 

This holiday of remembrance is an opportunity for many to come together and celebrate by hosting a family gathering.  A patriotic holiday such as this one deserves to be celebrated in style.  There are various Memorial Day decorations to choose from to make this holiday extra special. 

Memorial Day Decorations consists of the following:

• American Flags

• Flag Bunting and Banners

• Flag Door Cover

• Patriotic Balloons

• Patriotic Decorating Kit

• Patriotic Centerpiece

• Patriotic LED Lights

• Patriotic Paper Goods

American Flags:  The American flag is a symbol of our great country and honors this important day in history.  You may wish to hang an American flag outdoors to salute this holiday and welcome guests. 

Flag Bunting and Banners:  You may wish to consider adding flag bunting and banners over the doorway or in your windows to help set the mood.  Bunting also looks lovely on a banquet table. 

Flag Door Cover:  A fantastic entrance to any event begins when guests arrive to your front door and see a flag door cover.  These are available in a metallic color for added shimmer. 

Patriotic Balloons:  Balloons are the perfect accent for your exterior and interior décor.  You may attach them to balloon weights and incorporate them on individual tables or at the banquet table. 

They also add color and make the event very festive.
 

Patriotic Centerpiece:  Simple table decorations include a patriotic centerpiece, such as an American flag. 

It makes a lovely accent for the tables and guests will be wowed by the beauty of the centerpiece. 
 

Patriotic Decorating Kits:  For the ultimate party consider using a decorating kit that consists of 2 foil swirls (36”), 2 foil swirls (24”), 2 string decorations (4 feet), 2 string decorations (3 feet), 2 star cutouts (15”), 2 flag cutouts (12”), 1 hat cutout (5 ¾”), 2 garlands (10’ x 5”), 2 garlands (10’ x 15”), and 50 foot string for hanging. 

Another kit includes 3-10 inch tissue bells, 2-14 inch tissue balls, 3-18 inch flag cutouts, 4-16 inch American pride cutouts, 1-8 1/2 flame proof “Proud to be an American” banner, 1-20 inch tissue bells, 2-25 inch tissue fans, 2-25 inch flag cutouts, and 4-12 inch arcade garlands. 

Patriotic LED Lights:  A lovely way to add glow to your party is to incorporate patriotic lights consisting of stars in red/white/blue LEDs. 

Hang them outdoors and watch the magic come alive. 

Patriotic Paper Goods:  Patriotic paper goods will go beautifully with your Memorial Day theme.  This brings to mind everything that represents America, such as Coca-Cola, baseball, apple pie, Barbie, and many other things. 

You may purchase luncheon/dinner plates, dessert plates, and paper cups in a red/white/blue theme.  Also, you may color coordinate with U.S. flag themed napkins and red or blue cutlery.